Yellow Mule Cabin
Open year-round by reservation. Currently in winter access season: Buck Creek Ridge Road and Trail 10 are closed to wheeled motorized vehicles until June 16. Access requires snowmobile for approximately 14-17.5 miles. Summer wheeled/hiking access resumes June 16. Winter users should check the Gallatin National Forest avalanche advisory at mtavalanche.com.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
About
Yellow Mule Cabin was built in 1920 and originally served as a ranger station. Unlike standard Forest Service designs, this cabin was constructed according to the builder's personal preference, making it eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The small 12x14-foot cabin sits between a meadow and mixed evergreens at approximately 8,650 feet elevation, with views of the glaciated Madison Mountain Range. The cabin provides a true backcountry experience with minimal amenities. Inside you'll find three cots, a wood stove for heat, basic cookware and utensils, a propane lantern, and a dining table with chairs. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located outside. There is no potable water, electricity, or firewood provided, so guests must come fully prepared. All trash must be packed out. This area is popular with snowmobilers accessing Buck Creek Ridge Trail and McAtee Basin in winter, and with hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders in summer. Wildlife includes grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Stock facilities include a pasture for horses.
Directions
From Bozeman, drive west to Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 about 40 miles to the Big Sky turnoff. Summer access (June 16 - December 1): Continue south on US 191 for 3.75 miles, turn right onto Buck Creek Ridge Road (FS 2599), drive 7.7 miles to Buck Creek Ridge Trailhead. From there, travel 9.5 miles on Buck Creek Ridge Trail 10, then turn right at the Trail 467 junction and descend 1/3 mile to the cabin. Winter access (December 2 - June 16): Park across from Buck Creek Ridge Road entrance on the east side of US 191. The cabin is approximately 17.5 miles via snowmobile.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 587-6710 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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